Am I expecting too much?

[Barbara.Levitan]

Hi friends.  I love this board and the quick responses I get.  Here's my question:  Am I expecting too much by looking for a mask that doesn't leak and doesn't put a dent in the bridge of my nose?  iI have tried nasal and 3 different full-face masks, including the ResMed F20 with memory foam, and I keep striking out.  I have terrible leak and terrible numbers.  It is very frustrating.  Should I just accept that there is no perfect mask and live with my leaks?  Or should I keep trying?  Fortunately Commercial provider #1 gives a 30 day trial period.

[Sleeprider]

You should have read the Mask Primer by now http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Mask_Primer There is a lot of information and strategies there to consider. If a fit over the bridge of your nose doesn't work or is painful, then don't do that. Nasal pillows and hybrid masks fit under the nose. If you don't mouth-breath then by all means just get the Resmed Airfit P10 regular or for her depending on your fit. Otherwise the hybrid masks should be able to achieve a fit without making your nose raw.

[Barbara.Levitan]

I have practically memorized the mask fit section but I do mouth breathe and have tried nasal masks to no avail.  I am grateful for your suggestion and your prompt reply.

[Barbara.Levitan]

I have also tried 2 different hybrids but had terrible leakage.  That's why I tried the full face.

[Big Guy]

I'm a mouth breather and I'm using the Airfit F30. I'm having pretty good luck with it. Much less intimidating than the F20. 

And, no dents on the bridge of your nose.

[Barbara.Levitan]

Thanks, big guy. I tried the f30 but it leaked a lot. Do you think this is something I should just learn to live with?

[Big Guy]

I didn't have all that many leaks with the F30. But, I do keep the straps on the tight side. Just yesterday, I washed my headgear, mask, and cushion, in Dawn dish soap and hot water. 

I let it soak for a good hour after swishing it around a lot. When I put it on last night in preparation for bed, it was really snug. Being tight doesn't seem to bother me all that much. 

I could tell thru-out the night that it was sealing well. My AHI this morning was 0.4. I tend to wake at night on and off, however briefly. When I do, I'm aware of my mask and how it's performing. That, and getting up at night to use the restroom. 

Anyways, when it comes to face masks and getting a good fit, as you are well aware by now I'm sure, it can be a hit & miss endeavor. 

I also tend to give my masks a good long try-out period when I get one. Right now, I swap back & forth between my AirFit F20 and F30. 

It's not normal to have a mask on your face when you sleep. I was lucky, and for whatever reason, from the very 1st night of SA Therapy, I adapted quite quickly. My wife was very surprised at how well I did, considering my impatience for a lot of other things. I'd say keep at it and give that F30 some more time, and try adjusting the straps just a wee bit on the snug side. 

My best to you and good luck. 

[Barbara.Levitan]

Thank you for your thoughtful answer.  When it's that tight doesn't the F20 dig into the bridge of your nose?  I wake up with a big red mark on my nose.

[SarcasticDave94]

Have you looked into Remzzs or Pad A Cheek products? Example is Supplier #1 has Remzzs. There's probably others that supply these; shop to view and get the best pricing. Remzzs are disposable mask liners.

Pad A Cheek has their own site at Supplier #31; they have various padding accessories to make masks more comfortable.

[Big Guy]

Thank you for your thoughtful answer.  When it's that tight doesn't the F20 dig into the bridge of your nose?  I wake up with a big red mark on my nose.

No, for whatever reason, neither mask leaves any marks on my face. The only issue that I have with the F20, is that if my nose itches, I can't scratch it.